Safely operating a large commercial vehicle requires significantly more skill and awareness than a regular passenger car. Due to their massive weight, even when unloaded, trucks are harder to control and require a longer stopping distance. The size of a truck means it could cause severe damage to a smaller vehicle in a collision. This is why truckers must stay awake and alert while driving, and there are rules to encourage this practice.
If you have been hit by a driver who was not following the rules, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, have experience dealing with fatigued truck drivers in Athens accidents. A truck crash attorney could help you with your claim.
Like other drivers, anyone who operates a commercial vehicle must have an appropriate license, which requires training and passing an exam. Part of the licensing and being able to keep it involves adhering to a list of safety regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the United States Department of Transportation.
Because driving while fatigued greatly increases the risk of a crash in Athens, the FMCSA has several rules in place to prevent truckers from doing so. These are specifically designed to ensure that drivers get enough time to rest and recharge before starting work.
For example, truck drivers can only be on duty for a maximum of 14 hours a day and may only be operating a vehicle for 11 of those hours. After this, they must be off duty for at least 10 hours before they can start working again. Additionally, they may only drive up to 60 hours within seven days.
While those regulations apply to the drivers, there are similar rules for the commercial transportation companies that employ them. Under FMCSA guidelines, employers are responsible for ensuring that their employees comply with the applicable regulations, which include the maximum driving time. As such, companies should take care to schedule routes and assignments so their drivers can take their allotted break time.
When a tired truck driver is involved in a collision in Athens, they may not bear all of the liability. Many companies ignore their duty to protect their employees and the public and stretch their scheduling, which leads to overworked employees. In this situation, while the driver is ultimately responsible for their vehicle, the employer may also share some of the blame.
FMCSA requires transportation companies to have carrier insurance policies with certain coverages. It is from this insurance that injured victims may seek compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and mental pain and suffering. A skilled attorney could provide guidance through this process to ensure victims recover what they need to take care of themselves and their families.
Federal regulations are designed to prevent fatigued truckers from causing collisions, but that does not mean everyone complies. However, violations of these rules may point to who could be held liable.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, could help you recover compensation if you have been hurt. Call us for an initial consultation to discuss fatigued truck drivers in Athens accidents.
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